13 best wide-calf boots of 2024, hand-picked by style editors

When you buy through our links, Business Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more Finding your perfect pair of boots can be a journey of trial and error. For those looking for wide-calf options, that process becomes a bit more difficult. While we have come a long way in making fashion more inclusive, wide-calf

2024-02-13T20:12:15Z

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Finding your perfect pair of boots can be a journey of trial and error. For those looking for wide-calf options, that process becomes a bit more difficult. While we have come a long way in making fashion more inclusive, wide-calf boots seem to be an oft-forgotten category. Many brands have very limited wide-calf boot options, leaving those who need wide-calf sizing to sacrifice style for comfort and fit.

What's considered wide calf? The answer is a bit subjective, but generally speaking most brands define wide-calf options as anything with a calf circumference of 16 inches or above. While the wide-calf boots category still has a ways to grow, the good news is plenty of brands are making chic boots, across all styles and budgets, that fit wider calves comfortably. And we've already done the heavy lifting and collected them all below.

For more boot coverage, see our articles on the best knee-high boots and the best ankle boots for women

Best overall: Vince Camuto Quacia Boot

Vince Camuto
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Circumference: 15.98 inches for size 6 (increases by .26 inches for each half size up)

Colors: Nutmeg Suede, Black Leather, Gilded Grape Metallic, Petit Sirah

Size range: 5-12 (with limited half sizes)

Vince Camuto is one of our favorite brands for wide-calf boots. Not only do they have a variety of wide-calf options to choose from, but they make it easy to search on their site. The Quacia Boot is our top pick for its sleek and stylish silhouette, quality construction, affordable pricepoint, and comfortable fit. With a small 2-inch heel, this knee-grazing boot gives you some height without sacrificing comfort. A zipper on the inner leg makes getting into these boots easy. The colorways are gorgeous. This is the kind of boot you can, and probably will, wear every season, with every outfit, for any occasion. And that's why it gets our top pick.

Best budget: Coutgo Wide Calf Cowgirl Boots

Amazon
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Circumference: n/a

Colors: Black, Dark Brown, Nude

Size range: 5-11 (with limited half sizes)

With a rather limited selection, finding a great wide-calf boot on a budget proved more difficult than we expected. So, when we came across this fun, highly-rated pair of wide-calf boots for under $50 we were intrigued. This knee-high is a trendy take on a classic cowboy boot. The chunky heel, pointed toe, and stitching pay homage to the style's western roots, while the sleek, shiny upper brings a modern touch. There are side zippers and pull tabs, so you can zip up, pull up, or both. 

At just $40, these boots don't have too many bells and whistles. They're made of synthetic leather on the outside and have a plush insole for added cushioning. They may not last season after season like some of the other picks on this list, but if you're looking for a very affordable pair of wide-calf boots that look great, put these on your list.

Best for an extra wide shaft: Duo Boots Saffron Knee High Boots

DuoBoots
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Circumference: 11-19 inches

Colors: Tan Suede, Black Suede, Black Leather, Green Croc, Green Suede, Marigold Suede

Size range: 5-12 (with limited half sizes)

When it comes to inclusive size offerings, Duo Boots is way ahead of everyone else. Most brands wide-calf options have the same calf circumference regardless of shoe size, or the circumference gradually increases with each shoe size. At Duo Boots, you get to choose from 9 shoe sizes and 8 calf widths to create a combination that's right for your body. Every body is built differently and we love that Duo Boots gets that. 

Beyond being such a smart and thoughtful shoe (why don't more brands do this?!) the Saffron Knee High Boot is straight up cute. It has a Western feel, with a contemporary touch thanks to details like a zipper, a sleek heel, and fabulous fabrics like croc-print leather and soft suede.

Best for a slightly wide shaft: Madewell The Drumgold Boot in Extended Calf

Madewell
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Circumference: 15¼ inches 

Colors: True Black, Sepia 

Size range: 5-11

A simple, sleek leather boot like this one will become a staple in your cold-weather wardrobe. The short stacked heel and cushioned insole make these shoes perfect for urban adventuring, commuting to work, strolling the park, exploring museums, and so much more. The style is close to that of a riding boot, which is always classy and classic. 

There's a half-zip on the inside of the boot which makes it super easy to take these on and off. We like that the zipper is on the inside– that way it's more concealed and doesn't disrupt the shoe's simple and shiny look. In terms of band sizes, this shoe is on the smaller side and reviewers do say it runs small too.

Best for cold weather: UGG Classic II Genuine Shearling Lined Boot

UGG
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Circumference: 16 inches 

Colors: Black Suede, Chestnut Suede

Size range: 5-10

On a cold day, there's no better feeling than your feet enveloped in the cozy comfort of a pair of UGGs. It feels like UGGs truly need no introduction, but we'll give it to you anyways. A suede exterior (pretreated to prevent against stains, wear, and tear) and plush shearling interior create a warm, safe haven for chilly toes on cold days. UGGs may not be the most fashionable shoe around, but their cloud-like comfort has made them a favorite of even the most sartorially-sound types. At 16 inches, UGGs naturally have a roomier calf, but the brand also offers a variety of specifically wide-calf styles like the like the Bailey Button Boot. No matter what style you choose, you can always be sure you'll get the same classic comfort.

Best leather: Naturalizer Axel Weatherproof Knee High Boot

Naturalizer
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Circumference: 13.75 for medium, n/a for wide

Colors: Black Leather/Fabric, Oxford Brown Leather 

Size range: 7-11 (with half sizes) 

To the untrained eye, this looks like your typical, but beautiful heeled leather boot. It boasts a 2.75-inch block heel, sleek leather construction, and a knee-grazing silhouette. But this shoe does more than just look good–it can withstand serious weather. Heavy rain, slush, and cold temperatures are no match for the Axel, laden with weatherproof qualities like a waterproof leather and neoprene upper, rubber outsole for traction, and an aluminum lining for added warmth. 

If you live in a cold, rainy, or snowy city, these shoes are the perfect way to balance fashion and function. And we love that there's a wide-calf option. 

Naturalizer's Axel Weatherproof Boot also made our list of the best knee-high boots for women

Best suede: Banana Republic Lorca Suede Boot

Banana Republic
Check price at Banana Republic

Circumference: 15.5 inches

Colors: Chocolate Brown

Size range: 5-11 (with half sizes) 

A suede knee-high boot never goes out of style. Banana Republic does this chic wardrobe staple right with a simple silhouette that lets the soft and supple suede, in a rich chocolate brown, shine. The boot also boasts a 3.5-inch heel for a substantial lift. The pull on style makes for easy dressing. Every part of the shoe was made in Italy, from the Italian leather uppers to the leather soles. With a gorgeous design and quality craftsmanship you can see, it's no wonder this shoe is a bestseller. 

It's worth noting that the circumference, 15.5-inches, is on the smaller end of the wide calf spectrum.

Best over-the-knee: Vince Camuto Minnada Wide Calf Over-the-Knee Boot

Vince Camuto
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Circumference: 15.68 inches for size 6 (increases by .26 inches for each half size up)

Colors: Black Leather, Black Crinkle Patent, Warm Pewter Metallic, Ruby Rose 

Size range: 5-12 (with half sizes)

An over-the-knee boot already makes a statement, but the Minnada from Vince Camuto takes that up a notch with a high heel, pointy toe, and a variety of striking color options to choose from. The 3.8-inch adds quite a bit of height, but the tapered heel gives you more support than your classic stiletto. Combine that with the boot's padded footbed and you'll be ready to stand on your feet for hours. Putting on a pair of ultra-high, heeled boots could be a hassle, but the side zipper on these makes the process quite easy. We love that the calf circumference of these boots increases with each half size.

Best croc: Inez Paloma Boot

Inez
Check price at Inez

Circumference: 16-17.5 inches

Colors: Chestnut Suede, Mocha Croco, Black Calf

Size range: 6-10.5

Designed in New York and made in Spain, the Paloma has it all down to the details. A 3-inch covered block heel gives you comfortable height. With the brand's proprietary insole your foot has a cushioned place to land, and some much-needed arch support, for logging long miles. The partial side zipper makes it easy to slip them on and off. There's high-quality Italian leather (or suede) on the outside and a soft kidskin lining. And that's just the technical details. These boots are gorgeous. They'll elevate any outfit. While this 70's-inspired knee-high may be pricey, it's a splurge that's worth every penny.

We absolutely love Inez, so check out our full Inez review to see how we styled the Paloma and what other shoes from the brand we love. 

Best mid-calf: Syktkmx Mid-Calf Suede Chunky Heeled Boots

Amazon
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Circumference: 14.57-16.93 inches

Colors: Khaki, Nude, Apricot, Grey, Black, Light Khaki, Brown, Wine Red, Navy, Smooth Black, Coffee

Size range: 5-11 (with half sizes)

There was a moment when slouchy mid-calf boots were out of the limelight, but it seems they're already back. This pair from Amazon is a surprisingly stylish, affordable, and comfortable option. The heel is pretty high at just over 3 inches, but reviewers largely comment that the boot is comfy and easy to walk in. The shoe comes in faux suede and leather options, with over ten colorways to choose from including neutrals like khaki suede and black leather, and more funky choices like deep navy blue and wine red. With an easy slip-on style, these slouchy booties are perfect for throwing on for casual and formal occasions alike.

Best lug-sole: Free People Rhodes Tall Boot

Free People
Check price at Zappos

Circumference: 16 inches

Colors: Hot Fudge, Black 

Size range: 5.5-11

A chunky lug sole boot is my go-to. They're a comfortable, casual way to get some extra height; I love how they can dress up a casual outfit and add some edge to more formal, feminine looks. They're a wardrobe workhorse and every boot-lover needs a great pair. If you're in the market for a pair, the Rhode Tall Boot from Free People has all the makings of an everyday boot. There's a chunky 2.5-inch heel and 1.5-inch platform, with a rubber sole that only amplifies the chunky look. The 16-inch circumference makes these a great option for wider calves. 

Best cowboy style: Ariat Heritage R Toe Western Boot

Ariat
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Circumference: n/a

Colors: Black Deertan, Distressed Brown, Copper Brown

Size range: 5.5-11

Cowboy boots are all the rage in fashion right now, but at the core a cowboy boot is about utility over style. That's why we choose Ariat, a brand steeped in riding history and committed to quality craftsmanship, as our pick for the best wide-calf cowboy boot. This boot has a true Western look and feel, with an R toe (tapered with a round tip) and a sturdy 1.75-inch heel. The full-grain leather exterior can stand up to the elements but also looks chic with a pair of jeans tucked in or paired with a mini skirt. 

On top of aesthetics, the boot is lined with a (removable) cushioned insole and designed to provide more ergonomic support for your feet. Not only does the pair come in regular- and wide- calf options, but it comes with two foot width options as well: wide and medium. If you're looking for a do-it-all pair of boots that can be dressed up or roughed up, these are worth your time.

Best rainboot: Hunter Original Tall Wide Calf Rain Boot

Hunter
Check price at DSW

Circumference: 16.5 inches 

Colors: Black Matte 

Size range: 5-11

When it comes to the best rainboots, Hunter is the enduring team-favorite. The brand has been making rainboots since 1856 and they're still kicking–so you know they have something good going on. While Hunter has expanded its product offerings over the years, we're still partial to one of the classics: the Original Tall Rain Boot. These boots are lightweight, flexible, and well-reinforced to keep rain and moisture out. The wide-fit option has all the makings of the Original Tall Rain Boot with some added space in the calves. 


If you're on the shorter side, you may find the height of these rainboots overwhelming as they are quite tall. Luckily, Hunter makes a short version which is just as cute and practical. For a short, wide-calf pick we'd recommend the Original Short with an adjustable back. An adjustable buckle on the back of the boot lets you expand the boot to your liking, making it as snug or spacious as you'd like.

spanRemi is a former reporter for Business Insider's affiliate commerce team, Insider Reviews. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Creative Writing and Political Science, Remi joined Business Insider to help readers find the best products worth buying. Since joining the team in 2018, Remi has reviewed hundreds of products and interviewed founders of industry disruptors, such as direct-to-consumer startups a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/koio-sneakers-review"Koio/a and Absolut Art. /span spanShe specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com. /span spana href="https://www.businessinsider.com/insider-reviews-expertise-in-product-reviews"Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here/a./span Commerce Reporter Remi is a former reporter for Business Insider's affiliate commerce team, Insider Reviews. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Creative Writing and Political Science, Remi joined Business Insider to help readers find the best products worth buying. Since joining the team in 2018, Remi has reviewed hundreds of products and interviewed founders of industry disruptors, such as direct-to-consumer startups Koio and Absolut Art.  She specializes in women's lifestyle, but loves to learn about any and all products that add value and excitement to our everyday lives. Say hello at rrosmarin@businessinsider.com.  Learn more about how our team of experts tests and reviews products at Insider here. Read more Read less

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